Substance Use Disorders and ketamine research
Where ketamine research sits in addiction treatment, including alcohol use disorder and cocaine use disorder — and the complications of treating with a controlled substance.
Overview
Substance use disorders are chronic, relapsing conditions that respond to a combination of medications, behavioral therapy, peer support, and treatment of co-occurring mental health conditions.
Conventional treatment
First-line care varies by substance: naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram for alcohol; buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone for opioids. Behavioral therapies (CBT, MI, contingency management) and peer support (12-step, SMART Recovery) play central roles.
Where ketamine fits
Research suggests ketamine may help reduce craving and relapse in alcohol and cocaine use disorders when combined with psychotherapy. The KARE trial (Grabski 2022) showed promising effects for AUD specifically.
What current evidence suggests
Several randomized trials support a role for ketamine-assisted psychotherapy in AUD. Evidence for other substance use disorders is more preliminary.
Frequently asked questions
Is ketamine addictive?+
Yes, it has known abuse potential. Supervised medical protocols mitigate this risk but do not eliminate it.
Could ketamine replace medications like naltrexone?+
No. Where FDA-approved medications exist for a specific substance, they remain first-line. Ketamine is investigational in this context.
Educational use only. The content on this page is provided for general educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Ketamine and related therapies carry risks and are appropriate only under qualified medical supervision. Always consult a licensed healthcare professional about your individual situation. Information may change as research evolves.